Posted by seldomseen on November 2, 2009, at 18:31:52
In reply to I need some help with rational responses, posted by Deneb on November 2, 2009, at 17:37:42
So, Deneb, I don't know if this is a good exercise for you or not. But the rational responses thing sounds a whole lot like alternative hypothesis generation.
One thing I do know is that you like the sciences and alternative hypothesis generation is something you probably already know how to do.
For instance: In a chemical reaction, I may observe the transient formation of an intermediate molecule that is immediately converted into another molecule. This last molecule is the end point of the reaction.
Now the most obvious interpretation is that the transient intermediate is not stable and converts into the end point molecule.
Is there another hypothesis that might explain the presence of the transient molecule?
Sure!
1. The transient molecule is not unstable, but there is a contaminating catalyst in the reactants that converts the transient molecule into the end product.
2. The molecule isn't transient at all, but your ability to detect it isn't stable.
3. The transient molecule is actually a different form of one of your reactants that is consumed quickly in the reaction.
See? Think crazy, in other words, try to think like a scientist. It'll get you out of the box.
We can practice tonight in chat if we catch each other.
Seldom.
poster:seldomseen
thread:924157
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20091022/msgs/924170.html